The three candidates vying to become the next president have been grilled on their visions if elected as the next head of state.
Left-wing independent Catherine Connolly, backed by Sinn Féin and other opposition parties, stated she would not call for a border poll within the next decade. Fianna Fáil candidate Jim Gavin expressed his desire to be a positive president, while Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys rejected the label “establishment” for herself, preferring to be seen as experienced.
The candidates appeared on RTÉ Radio in the first series of broadcast interviews following the nomination deadline, which closed at noon on Wednesday.
### Catherine Connolly’s Vision
Ms. Connolly, a former clinical psychologist from Galway, described the presidency as “an utter privilege.” When asked about a border poll, she said she would leave the matter to politicians and use her voice to reflect the constitution as president.
Regarding calls for a border poll within a decade, she remarked, “Mary Lou (McDonald) has called for that; I have never called for a border poll.”
Connolly was also questioned about her communication skills after scrutiny over comments relating to Hamas’s role in a future Palestinian state. She responded:
> “I think my communication is excellent. The difficulty is I speak bluntly, honestly, and always after reflection and research. My record in the Dáil is second to none—I’ve never missed a day. I don’t claim to be an expert communicator, but I speak honestly and with integrity every time, and I do my best to answer every single question.”
She added that as president, she would have the courage to stand up, reflect the values of the Irish people, and call for peace globally.
> “I think I’ve always appealed to people across all sides. As Leas Chéad Comhairle, I was the first female to be elected, which I believe shows I am an inclusive candidate appealing to people from different backgrounds.”
### Jim Gavin’s Approach
Mr. Gavin described his vision as being a president with a positive message, particularly important during times of division.
Asked how he would give a voice to the voiceless, he cited his visit to a women’s shelter in Navan as an example of the services he intends to highlight.
> “That’s what I see my presidency as: energetic, enthusiastic, and being on the ground with people every day. When not on the ground, I’ll be in Áras an Uachtaráin thinking about what needs to be done or bringing people in to discuss the challenges we face.”
He elaborated on his pledge to hold forums both at Áras an Uachtaráin and around the country.
> “It’ll be the communities, volunteers, students, and people in third-level education—I am open to speaking to anyone. The president can generate ideas and shine a light on issues often unspoken or keep pressure on the Oireachtas to meet goals such as addressing homelessness and housing.”
However, he declined to comment on whether coalition partners Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil might organize a voting pact to exchange second preferences.
### Heather Humphreys’ Experience
Ms. Humphreys highlighted her ten years as a senior minister in various departments.
> “As Business Minister through Brexit and the pandemic, I know how to handle a crisis. As Culture Minister during the 100-year commemoration of the 1916 Rising, I led events that brought people together and gave us a strong sense of national identity and pride.”
When asked if she was the most establishment candidate, she replied:
> “Some might say establishment; I say experienced. I ask people to judge me on my track record in government. Yes, there are challenges, but I had the courage to step up when some did not.”
Regarding the housing crisis and her party’s role in government, Humphreys emphasized realism.
> “I will be a voice for all people, but I understand the president’s role: to highlight issues, speak out on injustices—as President Michael D. Higgins has done on Gaza—and to raise concerns when needed. I have never been afraid to speak up for people.”
She was also asked about a previous response regarding whether her husband was a member of the Orange Order. Humphreys said the question caught her off guard.
> “Can I ask, how would you feel if, during a job interview, the first questions were about your partner’s activities before you met them? It might catch anyone off guard. I have always been open about who I am and where I come from, which is why I believe I am uniquely placed to reach out to both nationalist and unionist traditions in Northern Ireland.”
Humphreys expressed a strong desire to build on the work of former President Mary McAleese, aiming to foster bridges across communities and deepen understanding among all traditions on the island.
> “I want to be a president for everyone in this country, regardless of who they are.”
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The presidential election is shaping up to be a contest between candidates offering distinct visions—from inclusivity and honest communication to positivity and experienced leadership—each aiming to represent and unite the Irish people during challenging times.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/candidates-grilled-on-vision-for-presidency-as-race-begins-in-earnest-1810796.html